The difference in past and present BMW M philosophy illustrated on the drag strip - Stock X5M beats up on an E46 M3

The difference in past and present BMW M philosophy illustrated on the drag strip - Stock X5M beats up on an E46 M3

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

The difference in past and present BMW M philosophy illustrated on the drag strip - Stock X5M beats up on an E46 M3

This video comes courtesy of BimmerBoost member Hansel22 who took his X5M to the drag strip putting down some impressive times (timeslips below). The SUV is completely stock. Hansel ran into an E46 M3 on the drag strip and basically embarrassed it. This is the new M, making heavy turbocharged SUV's and cars that are beasts in a straightline. There was a time where you would see M's, just like the E46 M3, on a track with turns. Now you will being seeing M's do this.

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily as the X5M shows just what a strong SUV it is. An SUV is not supposed to be a track weapon anyway. An M car is though. Still, an interesting juxtaposition here with M's past and M's present. A 12.6@110 sure is impressive for a stock SUV but is it as impressive as the E46 M3 is behind the wheel on a roadcourse? Now there is a question.

Having been lucky to test drive the X6M, it would be a close call to choose between the two.

Exact same Nurburgring lap times is a tell of how well it handles on the twisties. I couldn't feel the roll or weight, but the main drawback was it's tiny visibility out the rear window, which I'm guessing is better on the X5M.

I rode in an X5 50i last year and loved that damn thing. I can't imagine what driving an X5M would be like. Well I can, heavan prob LOL.

They're pretty quick, good amount of TQ. If the TT engine was in a 3 series it would be a rocket. Only thing that kills the x5m is the size. But hey I use it for work every day. It's a great construction vehicle.

That X5M time of 12.6 is faster than most stock E9x M3s as well! It shouldn't be a surprise that a new M truck is faster than a 12 year old M car. I would have a problem if this truck were giving better times than my 2013 m3.

That X5M time of 12.6 is faster than most stock E9x M3s as well! It shouldn't be a surprise that a new M truck is faster than a 12 year old M car. I would have a problem if this truck were giving better times than my 2013 m3.

The point isn't which is faster of course newer turbo cars will be faster. It's what track environment M's are more suited for now.

It isn't quicker than a stock E92 m3 the E92 M3 is simply harder to launch as it isn't all wheel drive and auto.

They're pretty quick, good amount of TQ. If the TT engine was in a 3 series it would be a rocket. Only thing that kills the x5m is the size. But hey I use it for work every day. It's a great construction vehicle.